General & Cosmetic Dentistry
The office of Keith A. Kye, DDS, FAGD serves the neighborhoods of Huntersville, Lake Norman, Davidson and Cornelius.
Missing teeth affect more than your smile — they change how you eat, how you speak, and how your face looks over time. Modern dental implants are a proven, long-lasting option that restores both function and appearance. Unlike removable solutions that rely on adhesives or neighboring teeth for support, implants integrate with the jawbone to become a stable foundation for replacement teeth.
Implants are appropriate for many situations: single-tooth replacement, restoring several adjacent teeth, or rebuilding an entire arch. Because they restore root-level support, implants help preserve bone and maintain facial structure in ways other restorations cannot. This makes them an excellent choice for patients who want reliable performance paired with a natural look.
At the office of Keith A. Kye, DDS, FAGD, our focus is on thoughtful planning and precise execution to deliver implant solutions that fit each patient’s goals and lifestyle. We emphasize clear communication so you understand the steps involved, the timeline for healing, and what to expect at each visit.
A dental implant is a biocompatible post placed into the jaw where a tooth root once was. Over time the surrounding bone bonds to the implant surface in a process called osseointegration, creating a secure anchor. Once integrated, the implant can support a crown, a bridge, or a denture, restoring chewing function and the appearance of a natural tooth.
Because implants replace the root as well as the visible portion of the tooth, they provide mechanical stability that removable prostheses can’t match. This stability makes it possible to enjoy a wider variety of foods and to speak without concern about movement or slippage. Many patients describe the feel of implant-supported restorations as the closest thing to a natural tooth.
Long-term success depends on careful surgical placement, good oral hygiene, and routine professional care. Our approach combines advanced imaging and digital planning with gentle surgical techniques to optimize implant positioning for both function and aesthetics.
Dental implants offer practical advantages that go beyond filling a gap. Because they transmit chewing forces into the jaw, implants help preserve bone volume and limit the facial changes that can occur after tooth loss. Maintaining bone not only supports the soft tissues of the face but also contributes to the stability of neighboring teeth.
Implants reduce the need to alter healthy adjacent teeth, a common drawback of some bridgework. Where a conventional bridge requires reshaping neighboring teeth to serve as anchors, an implant replaces a tooth independently. This conservative approach helps preserve your natural dentition whenever possible.
In many cases, implant-supported restorations allow for more predictable speech and diet compared with traditional removable appliances. They are also made from materials that won’t decay, and with proper care they can remain functional for many years.
When just one tooth is missing, an implant topped with a single crown is a precise and discreet solution. The crown is color-matched and shaped to integrate with the surrounding teeth so the restoration is visually harmonious. Because the implant is self-supporting, adjacent teeth remain untouched and the bite is restored to its natural function.
For two or more missing adjacent teeth, an implant-supported bridge offers stability without compromising neighboring teeth. Instead of using natural teeth as anchors, strategically placed implants carry the load for the entire span. This preserves healthy tooth structure while providing the bone stimulation needed to maintain jaw integrity.
When many or all teeth need replacement, a full-arch restoration anchored by several implants can recreate a stable, fixed bite. Depending on the plan, this approach can provide a non-removable, permanent-feeling set of teeth or a removable overdenture that snaps into place for added retention. Both options eliminate the need for denture adhesives and reduce the risk of slippage during everyday activities.
Implant-retained overdentures attach to implants for secure retention while still allowing removal for cleaning. This hybrid approach offers a practical balance of security and serviceability, improving comfort and chewing ability compared with traditional dentures while keeping hygiene routines straightforward.
Many patients are suitable candidates for implants, but individual factors matter. We assess overall health, oral hygiene, jawbone volume, and soft tissue conditions during a comprehensive evaluation. Your medical and dental history, personal priorities, and lifestyle all contribute to a customized recommendation. Where additional procedures are needed to support long-term success—such as bone grafting or sinus augmentation—we discuss those options clearly and respectfully.
Age alone is not a barrier; rather, the focus is on the stability of the tissues and the patient’s ability to maintain oral health. Smoking, certain chronic medical conditions, and medications can affect healing and are considered during treatment planning so that risks are minimized.
Implant therapy generally follows a staged approach: diagnostic planning, surgical placement of the implant(s), a healing period for osseointegration, and then restoration with crowns, bridges, or dentures. Some cases lend themselves to immediate provisional restorations so patients leave with improved function and appearance while the implant integrates.
Surgical placement is typically performed on an outpatient basis using local anesthesia, and sedation options are available for greater comfort. We provide clear pre- and post-operative guidance to support healing and successful integration. Regular follow-up visits help monitor progress and verify that the final restoration meets both functional and aesthetic goals.
Sufficient jawbone volume is essential to support an implant. If bone has been lost due to periodontal disease, trauma, or long-term tooth absence, augmentation with a bone graft can rebuild the foundation needed for predictable implant placement. Grafting techniques use safe materials and are designed to integrate with your own bone over time so that implants can be placed securely.
Bone grafting is a routine and well-established procedure that many patients tolerate well. It plays an important role in achieving long-term stability and preserving facial form. Our goal is always to recommend the least-invasive approach that achieves a durable, healthy result.
A dental implant requires the same careful home care and professional maintenance as a natural tooth. Daily brushing, flossing or interdental cleaning around implant restorations, and regular dental visits are critical to prevent inflammation of the tissues supporting the implant. Professional cleanings and exams help catch issues early and extend the life of the restoration.
With consistent hygiene and routine evaluations, implant restorations have an excellent long-term track record. Our team will teach the optimal techniques for cleaning around implant components and will tailor an ongoing recall schedule based on your specific needs.
Dental implants are a versatile solution that can restore comfort, function, and confidence. From single crowns to full-arch reconstructions, modern implant dentistry offers options that respect your natural teeth and support long-term oral health. Our practice emphasizes careful planning, clear communication, and compassionate care to help each patient achieve a durable, natural-looking result.
If you’d like to learn more about whether dental implants are right for you, or to discuss a personalized plan for tooth replacement, please contact our office for more information. We’re here to answer your questions and guide you through every phase of care.
If you've lost a tooth due to injury, decay, gum disease, or any other reason, we recommend dental implants to replace missing teeth. Dental implants come the closest to replicating the look, feel, and function of your natural teeth.
Dental implants are placed into the jawbone and mirror the same function as the root of a tooth. The procedure for dental implants is usually performed while a patient is sedated. Patients who undergo IV sedation must have an empty stomach and transportation home following the procedure. Most sedation patients will have little to no memory of the procedure occurring.
Generally, dental implants are made out of a biocompatible metal such as titanium. Biocompatible metals are also used for other common bone implants (such as shoulder, hip, and knee replacements). The visible portion of the implant is usually made out of porcelain and is custom-made to match your existing teeth.
Dental implants are designed to fuse to the bone, which makes them become permanent fixtures. Typically speaking, the success rate is nearly 100%. There are few cases in which the implant will not fuse as intended and must be removed. If this happens to occur, the procedure can be attempted again a few months later.
Dental implants are not usually covered by dental insurance, but may be covered under a patient's medical insurance. Our office and your insurance company can discuss coverage options with you based on your individual case and treatment plan.
It's easy... just take care of an implant as if it's a natural tooth! This involves regular brushing, flossing, and dental checkups. If you have any concerns about your implant, contact us immediately.
Dental implants are small, biocompatible posts that are surgically placed into the jawbone to replace the roots of missing teeth. Once an implant integrates with the surrounding bone through a process called osseointegration, it provides a stable foundation for a variety of replacement teeth. Implants are designed to mimic the function of natural tooth roots and to support restorations such as crowns, bridges, or dentures.
Because implants fuse with bone, they restore chewing function and help preserve jawbone volume and facial contours. Restorations attached to implants are custom fabricated to match the shape, size, and color of existing teeth for a natural appearance. This combination of stability and careful restorative design is what allows implants to function and feel very much like natural teeth.
Good candidates for dental implants generally have healthy gums and sufficient jawbone to support an implant, though bone grafting can expand eligibility in many cases. A thorough evaluation of your oral and medical history, along with diagnostic imaging, helps determine suitability for implant treatment. Conditions such as uncontrolled diabetes or active periodontal disease may need to be managed before proceeding with implants.
Age alone is not a limiting factor; many adults of all ages successfully receive implants when overall health is stable and oral health is addressed. Your dentist will review lifestyle factors, healing capacity, and any medications that could affect treatment. A personalized treatment plan is created to match each patient’s anatomy and long-term goals.
Implant restorations include single-tooth crowns, implant-supported bridges, full-arch fixed restorations, and implant-retained removable dentures. Single-tooth implants replace an individual missing tooth without altering adjacent teeth, while implant-supported bridges use implants to replace several teeth in a row. Full-arch options can restore an entire upper or lower jaw using a limited number of implants to support a fixed set of teeth.
Implant-retained dentures snap or attach to implants for improved retention compared with conventional removable dentures. The choice of restoration depends on the number of missing teeth, bone volume, esthetic goals, and functional needs. Your dentist will recommend the most appropriate restoration after careful clinical and radiographic assessment.
Placement begins with detailed treatment planning using clinical exams and imaging to identify ideal implant position and angulation. The surgical step involves placing the implant into the jawbone through a small incision, usually under local anesthesia and with options for sedation if needed. The procedure is typically performed on an outpatient basis and is tailored to the number and location of implants being placed.
After placement, a healing period allows the implant to integrate with the bone; this process generally takes several months depending on individual healing. Temporary restorations can sometimes be provided during healing to maintain function and esthetics. Once integration is complete, a final restoration is attached to the implant to restore full form and function.
Bone grafting is a procedure used to rebuild or augment jawbone where volume or density is insufficient to support an implant. Bone loss can result from tooth extraction, periodontal disease, or long-standing tooth loss, and grafting restores the structural support needed for predictable implant placement. Grafting materials vary and may include the patient’s own bone, donor bone, or synthetic substitutes depending on the clinical situation.
Bone grafting can be performed at the time of extraction, before implant placement, or simultaneously with implant surgery when conditions allow. The grafted site requires time to heal and integrate before an implant is loaded in many cases. Your dentist will explain the recommended grafting approach and the expected healing timeline based on diagnostic findings.
Dental implants have a high long-term success rate, but as with any surgical procedure there are potential risks that patients should understand. Complications can include surgical site infection, implant failure, nerve irritation, sinus involvement for upper implants, and peri-implant inflammation if oral hygiene is inadequate. Careful planning, surgical technique, and post-operative care reduce the likelihood of these events.
When complications occur they are typically manageable with prompt professional care, which may include antibiotics, adjustment of the restoration, or in rare cases removal and replacement of the implant. Regular follow-up and maintenance help identify and address early signs of problems. Your dentist will review risk factors and measures to minimize them during the consultation process.
Maintaining dental implants requires the same attention as natural teeth, including daily brushing and flossing to control plaque and prevent inflammation around the implant. Use of interdental brushes or floss designed for implants can help clean hard-to-reach areas, and smoking cessation is strongly advised to support healing and long-term stability. Routine professional cleanings and periodontal assessments are essential to monitor implant health.
If you notice any changes such as increased mobility, discomfort, swelling, or persistent bleeding, contact your dental provider promptly for evaluation. Regular recall visits allow your dental team to remove hard deposits, check restoration fit, and screen for early signs of peri-implant disease. Proactive home care and professional maintenance significantly contribute to implant longevity.
When restored with well-designed crowns or prostheses, dental implants can closely match the appearance, contour, and color of natural teeth. The underlying implant provides a stable foundation, which helps restorations feel secure during chewing and speaking. Skilled restorative planning ensures the prosthetic teeth integrate harmoniously with adjacent teeth and soft tissues for a natural result.
Patients often report that implants allow them to eat and speak with confidence once they have adapted to the restoration, though there is typically a short adjustment period. The final esthetic outcome depends on careful tissue management, accurate impressions or digital scans, and precise laboratory work. Your dentist will work with you to achieve both functional and esthetic goals.
The longevity of dental implants depends on factors such as oral hygiene, regular professional care, overall health, and lifestyle habits. With proper home care and routine follow-up, many implants remain functional for decades or for the lifetime of the patient. Although implants themselves do not decay, the surrounding tissues can develop inflammation or infection if not properly maintained.
Regular dental visits allow early detection and treatment of issues that could compromise an implant, and restorations attached to implants may require maintenance or replacement over time. Adhering to recommended cleaning protocols and attending scheduled checkups are key contributors to long-term success. Your dentist will provide a maintenance schedule tailored to your needs.
During a consultation at the office of Keith A. Kye, DDS, FAGD you can expect a comprehensive review of your medical and dental history, an oral examination, and diagnostic imaging such as digital X-rays or CBCT scans when indicated. The clinical team will discuss your goals, explain the range of implant options, and review anesthesia and sedation choices to ensure comfort during treatment. This visit is designed to gather the information needed for a safe, predictable treatment plan.
Following the evaluation you will receive a personalized recommendation outlining recommended procedures, timing, and pre- and post-operative instructions. The team will answer questions about healing expectations, maintenance requirements, and next steps to move forward with care. Clear communication and individualized planning are emphasized to ensure you feel informed and prepared for implant treatment.
The office of Keith A. Kye, DDS, FAGD serves the neighborhoods of Huntersville, Lake Norman, Davidson and Cornelius.